Do I disclose anxiety on pre deployment check?

[Meltinthemiddle]

I've got a job working in a school. Pre covid I was suffering from anxiety and put on medication. I managed to wean myself off them over lockdown by exercising and getting a dog! I now think it was brought on by losing 3 family members in a short space of time added with work stress and my age as recently turned 40 so I believe my hormones also came into play. My anxiety has definitely eased and I feel more in control, not depressed and I've never had a day off sick during it. I feel embarrassed and like they will see me as a liability. I know when I disclosed it for my life insurance it effected the policy as they saw me as a risk even though it was anxiety not depression and I was getting treatment.

No I wouldn't mention it. You are no longer on medication and aren't being treated.

No. Your medical history is none of their business.

Have you already been offered the job, signed contracts etc?

If so I would definitely tell them, them having an awareness of your history will enable them support you moving forwards and look out for any warning signs etc

Legally they cannot discriminate against you in any way for mental health concerns, past or present, so even if you haven’t had a contract agreed there still is not any risk in disclosing the information!

If they ask "are you currently... " then the answer is no.
If they ask "have you ever..." then you can explain that you received a course of treatment following bereavements, but no longer require treatment.

Sorry for your loss. It sounds like you had a perfectly natural response to a difficult time. I hope your new job goes well.

It is now illegal to ask about any health issues / disability prior to a job offer being made.

Pre employment checks are nothing to be scared about. They want to check if they can put any adaptations in place for you starting work. It is standard in most jobs. I personally would declare it as you are then protected moving forward in that role as it is a pre declared condition.

If it warranted it they could do a pre employment occupational health referral who would than tell them what adjustments you would need. As you state these have now resolved a referral is unlikely but at least you have logged it officially with your new job. They would be very very stupid to withdraw a job offer on disclosure as you could take them to a tribunal over it.